Imaging USA - PPA 2027
Event Date
January 31 – February 2, 2027
Location
Charlotte, NC
Expected Exhibitors
130
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryImaging USA is the premier annual photography conference, trade show, and exhibit in the United States, produced by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). The 2027 edition takes place January 31 – February 2 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC. It is billed as the longest-running national photographic convention in the country, dating back to 1880, and draws over 10,000 professional photographers from across the U.S. and around the world.
Across three days, attendees can choose from 90+ education sessions covering lighting, posing, marketing, sales, and business skills, plus hands-on learning, keynote inspiration, and an expansive Imaging EXPO featuring 130+ exhibitors. Whether you shoot weddings, portraits, commercial, or specialty work, the event is designed to help photographers sharpen their craft, grow their business, and connect with a community of peers.
Beyond classes and the trade show floor, Imaging USA offers signature networking events, celebrations, and the International Photographic Competition (IPC). It's a destination event for photographers at every career stage looking to start the year energized with actionable, business-focused insights.
Show Highlights
- Expert speakers: 90+ industry experts sharing business and creative insights, with featured speakers including Lindsay Adler, Kevin Dooley, Eli Infante, Ian Spanier, and more.
- Opening keynote: A featured keynote session designed to inspire and motivate attendees.
- Imaging EXPO: A three-day trade show floor with 130+ exhibitors showcasing cameras, lenses, lighting, studio equipment, editing software, printing services, and business solutions, plus live gear demos.
- Technical & business classes: Sessions on lighting, posing, marketing, sales, and more, included with the All-Access Pass.
- International Photographic Competition (IPC): Browse award-winning images and watch live judging of the Final 4 images across 16 categories, with $26,000 in prizes.
- Signature events: Welcome Party, Closing Party, PPA Award & Degree Ceremony, Networking Avenue, and Photo Walks.
- New for 2027: Table Topic Discussions for informal learning with favorite instructors.
Attendance
Imaging USA draws over 10,000 professional photographers annually. The audience consists of professional photographers at all career levels working across genres including weddings, portraits, and commercial photography, attending from across the United States and internationally.
Registration
Registration is available online at imagingusa.com. Pass options for 2027 include:
- All-Access Pass (PPA Member): $299 with a $100 early-bird discount; early-bird savings end October 31. Includes classes, keynote, expo, Welcome and Closing parties, Photo Walks, Networking Avenue, and IPC live judging and finale.
- Expo Plus Pass: $0 (a $199 value) providing access to the expo/trade show floor, keynote, IPC, and networking events.
- Buddy Pass: Add up to two guests for $199 each when registered by October 31 (rising to $249 per guest afterward).
- Join & Go: Non-members can join PPA for $28.42/month (or $323/year) and receive a full year of benefits plus a free All-Access Pass (regularly $599). New Full or Full Plus members attend free.
- Students, Life Members, and qualified media can attend free with the appropriate pass or media request.
Pre-convention classes and workshops (January 28–30) are available for an additional fee. Cancellations received by December 4, 2026 incur a $25 administration fee; no refunds after that date.
History
Imaging USA is the longest-running national photography conference, trade show, and exhibit in the United States, dating back to 1880. It is produced by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), which has been creating photography conventions for over 130 years. The event has grown into the annual gathering point for more than 10,000 professional photographers. It rotates among major U.S. cities each year: after Charlotte in 2027, upcoming editions are scheduled for the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, TX (2028), Gaylord National Harbor in National Harbor, MD (2029), Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, TN (2030), and Gaylord Palms in Orlando, FL (2031).
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Last updated: August 13, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Imaging USA 2027?
Imaging USA 2027 takes place January 31 through February 2, 2027, at the Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202.
Who should attend Imaging USA?
The event is designed for professional photographers at every career level, including those shooting weddings, portraits, commercial, and specialty work. It draws over 10,000 photographers from across the U.S. and around the world each year.
How much does it cost to attend and how do I register?
You can register online at imagingusa.com. The All-Access Pass for PPA members is $299 with a $100 early-bird discount ending October 31, while a free Expo Plus Pass provides access to the trade show floor, keynote, and IPC. Non-members can join PPA via Join & Go for $28.42/month and receive a free All-Access Pass.
What can I expect at the show?
Imaging USA offers 90+ education sessions on lighting, posing, marketing, and business, plus an Imaging EXPO with 130+ exhibitors and live gear demos. It also features an opening keynote, the International Photographic Competition, networking events, and Welcome and Closing parties.
Where should I stay and how do I get there?
Numerous official host hotels in Uptown Charlotte offer discounted rates within walking distance of the convention center; book through the official ImagingUSA.com links and reserve early. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is about 7 miles (a 15-minute drive) away, and the venue is directly served by the LYNX Blue Line light rail.
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